HEAVY LIFTING
KITCHENER — Jay McKee isn’t going anywhere, for now.
For a few weeks during the off-season the future of the Kitchener Rangers coach seemed in doubt, after rumours had him bound for an assistant coaching gig in the NHL.
But the affable Blueshirts boss was smiling and back at his post on East Avenue to kick off training camp Monday afternoon, while 38 players looked to make their mark on the skipper and his staff.
“I’m really happy here and I’m not going anywhere,” said the 41-year-old.
McKee joined the Rangers as an associate coach in 2015 and took over from Mike Van Ryn as the main man a year later.
The former NHL defenceman has posted a winning record in each of his three years at the helm, while compiling an overall regular season record of 113-789-4.
He guided the Rangers to the Ontario Hockey League’s Western Conference final two seasons back and they bowed out in the first round of the playoffs in each of his other two campaigns with the club.
McKee’s knack for developing prospects and reputation as a players’ coach has certainly piqued the interest of pro clubs.
“Things have come across my plate to go to that level and I’ve chosen not to,” he said.
“Day one into coaching, I remember having the mindset that I wanted to be in the NHL tomorrow. I played for a long time and I should just be there. That was an immature mindset.
“Once I got into coaching, I have a long- term vision and appreciation for the position.” The NHL is the end goal. But McKee said he’s all about timing and, right now, he’s focused on the Rangers.
And he put some familiar and fresh faces through the paces on the first day of training camp Monday.
Players were split into two teams — Blue and White — and are scheduled to face off in a games Tuesday at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. and Wednesday at 10 a.m., all at the Aud.
The back end and net are relatively solidified, but the graduation of import forwards Rickard Hugg and Alexey Lipanov, and the surprising early departure of overage candidate Joseph Garreffa, means there are jobs to be won up front and on the first power unit.
“Every year we look at who has taken that next step,” said McKee.
“There can be a big change in a player just over the course of one summer. Just coming back and being older and having the confidence, experience and knowing the systems.”
As for unsigned prospects and free agents?
“The message is that you have a great opportunity,” said McKee. “There are spots open, so show us what you got.”
TEAM BLUE ROSTER: Forwards: Ryan Stepien, Jesse Fishman, Matt Sop, Brenden Anderson, Riley Damiani, Logan Gallagher, Mark McIntosh, Graham Dickerson, Isaac Langdon and Reid Valade. Defencemen: Joseph Rupoli, Donovan Sebrango, Noah Prudhomme, Justin MacPherson, Ville Ottavainen and Axel Bergkvist. Goalies: Luke Richardson, Dalton McBride and Justin Wu.
TEAM WHITE ROSTER: Forwards: Francesco Pinelli, Greg Meireles, Jonathan Yantsis, Mitch Martin, Matt McCullough, Anthony Pinelli, Ryan Walker, Mike Petizian, Andrew Aboumossa, Joe Serpa and Declan McDonnell. Defencemen: Michael Vukojevic, Simon Motew, Cam Vassos, Peyton Adams Matthews and Arber Xhekaj. Goalies: Jacob Ingham, Lucas Pfeil and Diego D’Alessandro.